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3. PLANNING LOCATIONS
3.1 PLAN YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM SETUP
1.
Take a few minutes before commencing any installation work to layout your solar system on paper first. Use the diagrams
within this manual to help.
2. Complete a simple block diagram identifying the key components and connections of your Solar charging system: Solar Panels,
MC4 Positive and Negative Extension Cables, Solar Charge Controller and your Battery Bank as detailed in the diagrams.
3. Identify and prepare easy/safe access to possible installation locations in the 3 key installation areas within your RV;
• Roof
Solar Panels
• Instrument/Controls
Solar Charge Controller and/or Inverter Remote
• Storage Compartments
Inverter, Converter/Charger, Transfer Switch
4. Identify on your RV if you have a
Cable Entry Plate (GP-CEP) see Fig 3-A
pre-installed by
the RV Manufacturer. The Cable Entry Plate makes the Solar Panel to Solar Charge Con-
troller installation simpler. (After market purchase of GP-CEP available)
5. If you do not have the Cable Entry Plate pre-installed on your RV. You will be following the
‘Routing Power Cable through the Refrigerator Vent’ steps.
6. Whilst on the roof of your RV identify the refrigerator vent and investigate the vent-fastening
hardware.
3.2 PLACEMENT OF SOLAR PANELS
S
olar modules should be installed strictly in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual. The structure on which the
module is attached must be completely rigid and remain so in all weather conditions, such as extreme winds or heavy snow. In
the case of marine applications, structures must remain rigid in heavy storm conditions and be impervious to long-term saltwater
exposure.
Solar panels will not stay flexible once fixed to the mounting surface. Bending or flexing of the mounting surface can result in fire
and/or permanently damage the solar module components.
BEFORE GLUING SOLAR PANELS - you must carefully position all solar panels BEFORE applying adhesives. Once panels are
glued to the supporting structure, they cannot be repositioned.
UTILIZATION — We strongly recommend the use of flame retardant and chemically resistant cables, especially in marine envi
-
ronments or in other extreme operating conditions.
1. Remove all solar panels from their boxes.
Set aside the boxes as they will be used in the instructions to follow.
2. Using the solar panel boxes, plan the layout of the panels on your RV rooftop. Please use the notes below to help select
the best panel location(s)
• Placement of the panel(s) should be as close together as possible. Each panel has 3.3’ of cable coming from the
junction box. It may be necessary to use solar panel extension cables. If required, longer extension cables can be
purchased. Please contact customer service at 1.866.247.6527 to purchase.
• Select a location where the mounting surface is at least 1/2” thick and strong enough to support the solar panel
mounting hardware.
• Solar panels should be located a minimum of 3’ from the front of RV to reduce wind load on the panels.
• Avoid internal wiring when selecting the solar panel mounting locations for drilling the mounting holes.
•
Ensure fixed obstacles, such as air conditioners, will not shade the solar panels. (Shading can greatly reduce the
performance of the solar system).
Note
FIGURE 3-A: GP-CEP
